Runes

The earliest alphabet in use among the Gothic tribes of
Northern Europe. The characters were employed either for purposes of
secrecy or for divination. Rim is Gaelic for “secret,” and helrin means “divination.”

There were several sorts of runes in Celtic mythology: as (1) the Evil Rune. employed when evil was invoked; (2) the Securable
Rune, to secure from misadventure: (3) the Victorious Rune, to procure victory over enemies; (4) Medicinal Rune, for
restoring to health the indisposed, or for averting danger: and (5) the Maledictory Rune. to bring down curses on enemies. (Compare Balaam
and Balak.)